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Undergraduate Admission

Introduction to Internships

» Introduction to Internships

An internship can be one of the most meaningful parts of your college experience. Learn more about what an internship is and why it's important below.

What is an internship?

An internship is a work-related opportunity that allows you to get experience in a professional setting related to your interests and/or field of study, and they are offered year-round (fall, winter, spring, summer). Through an internship, you: 

  • Work within an organization (for-profit, nonprofit, or government agency) for a specified period.
    • Most internships typically last for one semester, but they can sometimes extend to a full academic year.
  • Can earn academic credit towards your college degree (often while getting paid, if you land a paid internship).
  • Learn from and work with accomplished industry professionals or mentors.

A few majors at Chapman require you to get an internship, but most will support you in getting one regardless.

Valerie Esquivel ‘23
Communication Studies major & former intern at Currant Plus Enterprise
"My internship significantly enhanced my leadership skills and helped me develop greater professionalism in a corporate setting. My networking skills grew from attending expo events, and I learned to balance being a full-time student. If you're considering an internship, don't hesitate to put yourself out there and start those conversations!”

Why are internships important?discussion

Internships offer invaluable opportunities to gain practical, real-world experience in a chosen field. They also allow you to:

  • Develop and practice skills: Develop and refine essential skills in your desired profession, like communication or problem-solving.
  • Network: Make important connections that will lead you to your future career.
  • Build your resume: The more experience you have on your resume, the more competitive you will be in the job market upon graduation.
  • Explore different career paths: Internships allow you to dip your toes in different career paths so you can make informed decisions for your future job search.
  • Grow personally: Internships are meant to challenge you so that you become more independent while building confidence in your abilities.

And because they let you learn more about a career path network in your industry, it’s not unusual for an internship to lead to a job offer!

80%

of Chapman students complete at least one internship

30%

of Chapman students complete two or more internships

70%

of internships result in full-time job offers upon graduation nationally

Where to find internshipsprofessional students

Because Chapman is in the heart of Southern California, students can pursue internship opportunities in a variety of fields in Orange County and Los Angeles (and sometimes even abroad).

Additionally, the Career and Professional Development Office and your school/college’s faculty can help you get an internship in any number of fields, including:  

  • Film and media arts.
  • Business.
  • Science and technology.
  • Communications.
  • Health and medical sciences.

 


International internshipsinterns in france

Chapman’s Center for Global Education also offers opportunities to get an internship abroad, all while earning academic credit to fulfill your major’s requirements.

The two options you have are:

For both options above, cost and tuition assistance may be available, including funding options for Pell Grant recipients and first-generation students.


Ask a student

Still have questions about internships or Chapman in general? Our student ambassadors are here to help. Feel free to reach out!

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Email us:

Call us: (714) 997-6711

Text us: (714) 942-5474

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Chapman University
Attn: Office of Admission
One University Drive 
Orange, CA 92866

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